We recently connected with Ashley Hart and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

During my 9 years working at Sewell Automotive Companies, I was deeply influenced by the principles in Carl Sewell’s book Customers for Life. At Sewell, “Service” wasn’t just a department — it was a culture that extended far beyond the service drive. As a Service Advisor, and later a Service Manager, I learned that true success comes from building lasting relationships…not just completing oil changes. Every interaction was an opportunity to create loyalty by exceeding expectations, handling concerns immediately, and treating every client like a valued guest. Those early years in my career shaped how I serve my real estate clients today: with genuine care, attention to detail, and a relentless focus on delivering an exceptional experience that earns trust for life.

I once had a client who came in multiple times, frustrated about a persistent noise in his car. The vehicle was under warranty, and he was adamant that the repair should be covered. Despite my team’s best efforts, the only issue we could identify was tire noise. After several visits — and quite a few choice words — the customer, in a moment of anger, threw his keys at me and demanded that we replace his tires. Ironically, he had just installed new tires elsewhere, but they weren’t the manufacturer’s recommended brand. As a result, the car didn’t drive the way it had for the previous 20,000 miles. In trying to save money with less expensive tires, he ended up spending far more.

During the process, he made a few comments that suggested he believed I was trying to sell him something he didn’t need to pad my pocket. I reassured him every step of the way that my only goal was to solve the problem — not to make a commission. I wasn’t there when he picked up his car that day, but later he left me the best voicemail I have ever received. He apologized for questioning my integrity, and told me he would forever trust my recommendations and judgment. He remained a loyal customer for years — and nearly 20 years later, he’s still a friend.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Ashley Hart — I’m a real estate consultant based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I began my career in customer service, spending almost a decade with Sewell Automotive Companies, where I learned the art of truly taking care of people. That passion for customer service naturally led me into real estate, where I get to help clients navigate big life moments with confidence and ease.

I specialize in luxury homes, but honestly, what I really focus on is creating an experience where people feel seen, heard, and cared for. I’m not just about selling houses — I’m about building real relationships. I treat every client like family (the kind you like!), and I’m not afraid to go the extra mile.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me — many of them become lifelong friends. If there’s one thing I would want you to know about me, it’s that I lead with heart, hustle, and a true love for helping people find their perfect place to call home.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Oh gosh, where do I even start? Life around here is busy — and I mean that in the best, most beautiful way. My husband travels 200+ days a year for work, which means a lot of the time it is just me and our four amazing girls — ages 9, 7, 4, and 1 — holding down the fort.

This past year was especially tough. Our youngest had some health complications, and we spent 19 days in and out of hospitals. It was one of the scariest, hardest seasons of my life. And somehow, even with everything going on, my real estate business didn’t just survive — it grew. I exceeded my production from the year before!

There are nights (and there still are!) when I barely get any sleep — staying up late to catch up on work after the kids are in bed. Being the default parent and running a business isn’t easy. Some days feel impossible. But what keeps me going is the understanding and kindness of my clients. Truly — I wouldn’t be here without them. They give me the grace to be human, to be a mom, and to still chase my dreams. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to choose between being a great mom and having a career that you love. It doesn’t have to be either/or. It’s hard — some days are really, really hard — but it’s possible. You can build a business, be there for your babies, and also create a legacy you’re proud of, if that’s your calling of course. You just have to give yourself permission to do it messy sometimes, and trust that you’re doing better than you think.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Honestly, about 99% of my business comes from direct referrals — and I’m so proud of that. Most of the people I work with are either past clients, friends or family of past clients, or acquaintances from earlier chapters of my life who follow me on social media and see the real estate content I create.

There may come a season where I focus on growing my business beyond my network, but right now, with four young kids and a traveling husband, my time is really limited. I choose to reserve it for clients where I can build the strongest, most genuine relationships. I average 30-40 transactions a year, and in this season, that’s good enough for me! I’m incredibly grateful that my past clients trust me enough to send their loved ones my way — that kind of trust is the heart of my business, and it’s something I’ll never take for granted.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hartrealtyteam.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyhartrealtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyHartRealtor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyhartrealtor/
• Twitter: https://x.com/AshleyHartTX
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyhartrealtor

Image Credits

Cari Daus, Nathaniel Keomanila